The Ouachita telegraph. [volume] (Monroe, La.) 1865-1889, 1887-02-05

forcedto use in collecting tickets, and a
blow they were to his vanity, were
full of life and fun. His antipathy to
, Father Time was evinced in the care
fully dyed hair and moustache, and
his agility in getting on and off the
cars.
But his popularity spread out on
either hand of him along his "run."
Even the dogs knew him, and he had
a word for everybody. Ladies would
wait over for his train, and felt safe
: under his care. Then he always
helped them of so cheerfulIy with
their offspring, carrying the baby him.
self, and counting the little ones as he
lifted them down. He had, perhaps,
rather startling way of looking
anxious'y around and asking if one or
two had not gotten away. But even
that peculiarity, together with his
calling every one with any pretense
to age "grandma,'' and "grandpa,"
did not lessen his popularity. With
it all he was as brave as lion, in the
face of danger, and many were the
tales told of his courage IN past days
when Air Line disasters were not in>
frequent.
! When he had gone his rounds, he
sat down in seat opposite Stephanle
to count his tickets. Sitting thus, he
had an opportunity to observe her and
so doing he became interested in her.
Her face was an open book to this
kneen student of mankind. He dis
cerned her nervousness and the pre-
occupation that rather saddened her
pretty, quiet face. The change from all
this to a quick interest and delight in
the landscape, won him over altogeth-
er. He felt as if it all belonged to him,
and proud he was of an opportunity to
point out its beauties.
Miss Stephanie Byrne had uncons
scioously made one friend.
He put away his tickets and punch,
and stepped across the aisle. There
was such kindness in his voice when
he spoke, that quick, homcsick tears
sprang into the girls eyes, as she was
brought again to face the present.
II see you are alone, Miss. IF you
are not expecting any one to meet you
in Gainesvi,le-we are pretty near
there now"-pulling out his watch,,
stpcrhaps I can be of some assistance 10
you."
"Oh, thank you, sir" Steph an.
swered eagerly. 81 have no friends
there. I am going on business, and L
do not know where to stop. If you
aco,.ld tell me of some nice, quiet
place."
"There are three hotels, all very
good, but think you would like the
Longstreet House. 1t belongs to tn
old General himself, and is near the
depot. I'll find the porter for you
and he will show you over. This is
my card. 1 will be glad TO be of service
to you at any time"
With grateful impulse Steph told
him how she had just started out to
travel for the South, through the two
Carolinas.
81 think you are 4 brave young
lady. Not many Southern girls like
you. You'll succeed
True to his word, the gallant cap-
tain assisted her Off the train a, Gaines,
vile, called up the porter and told
him to look after the young lady.
Then he shook hands with her, wished
her ''good luck" and, as she followed
the porter across the platform, above I
the din and clamor of bus drivers and
hotel drummers, she heard his sharp,
quick, hearty voice:
"Step lively, now, grandma. Only
got minute. There you are, and
here's your band-box. dW aboard !"
1t seemed to Stephanie that pretty
much all of Gainesville had turned out
at the depot. She had to elbow her
way through them, and she was an
object, so doing. of considerable curl.
osity.
Next morning Stephanic hu,.oned
up her jacket over as stout heast as
she could muster, and set out, from
the clerks directions, TO find the EdgLe
office aud its racy editor.